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REAR-ADMIRAL MEADE 










A 


TRIBUTE OF RESPECT 


BY 

LAFAYETTE POST No. 140 

DEPARTMENT OF NEW YORK 

GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC 

m 


IN MEMORY OF 

COMMANDER RICHARD WORSAM MEADE 

1 

REAR-ADMIRAL (RETIRED) 

UNITED STATES NAVY 


PREPARED BY 

WILBUR F. BROWN, Adjutant 


NEW YORK 

PRIVATELY PUBLISHED BY THE POST 

1898 





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From New York Daily Papers of May 5, 1897 


DIED 

MEADE.—At Washington, D. C., May 4, Richard 
Worsam Meade, Rear Admiral, U. S. N., aged 
59 years. 

Funeral from St.Aloysius’s Church, North Capitol 
and I Streets, Washington, on Thursday, May 
6, at 11 a.m. Interment at Arlington. 

Lafayette Post, No. 140, Dept, of New York, G. 
A. R.—Comrades are requested to proceed to 
Washington by midnight train, B. & O. R. R., 
foot of Liberty St., to-night, to attend funeral 
of Admiral Richard W. Meade, Commander. 
Post uniform—cap, white gloves, with side arms 
or citizen’s dress, and G. A. R. badge. Further 
particulars at special meeting Murray Hill 
Hotel, 8 p.m. 

Josiah C. Long, 

Senior Vice-Commander, Commanding. 

Wilbur F. Brown, Adjutant. 





« 




REPORT 


OF THE 

ADJUTANT TO THE POST AT THE REGULAR 
ENCAMPMENT OF MAY 7 . 


New York, May 5, 1897. 

A special encampment of this Post was called by Senior Vice- 
Commander Long, commanding the Post, through publication in the 
morning and evening papers, to arrange the details for attending the 
funeral of Commander Meade at Washington, who died May 4th. 
The meeting was held at the Murray Hill Hotel, with fifty-five com¬ 
rades present. 

Senior Vice-Commander Long was in command and stated the object 
of the meeting. 

The Adjutant reported having arranged with Comrade Frank Jones 
of Washington to aid the Post in proceeding according to the wishes of 
the family. With his assistance and by the aid of the telegraph the 
desires of the family were obtained and proper respect shown. A tele¬ 
graphic order was given for flowers to properly represent the Post, and 
carriages offered by the family were declined. 

The action of the Adjutant was unanimously endorsed by the meeting, 
on motion of Comrade Homer, who also moved that the Post should pay 
the expenses of twenty-five Comrades to proceed to Washington in 
uniform as a detail to represent the Post. Carried. 

The Adjutant read telegrams of condolence and sympathy from Com¬ 
rades and Posts, especially from Columbia Post of Chicago, and he was 
instructed to make suitable reply. 


7 


Comrade E. A. Whitfield was chosen to act for the Quartermaster on 
the occasion of this sad duty, and to care for the expenses, etc., attend¬ 
ant upon that office. 

On motion of the Adjutant the meeting adjourned, to meet in con¬ 
tinuous session, with power, during the necessities of the occasion, until 
the next Encampment of the Post. 

At 12.15 midnight, the following Comrades proceeded, via B. & O. 
R. R., to Washington, to bury their Post Commander: 

Josiah C. Long, Senior Vice-Commander; Henry J. Howlett, Junior 
Vice-Commander; Wilbur Fisk Wood, Past Chaplain; Wilbur F. Brown, 
Adjutant; Joseph E. Banks, Officer of the Guard; Frederick G. Agens, 
James B. Bach, L. Curtis Brackett, William S. Cogswell, A. J. Casse, 
Charles W. Chase, George T. Cooke, Charles T. Canfield, Adolph E. 
Dick, J. M. Duncan, Oscar N. Dusenberry, John J. Hemming, Henry 
F. Herkner, Benjamin Loder, Warren E. Shepard, E. G. Tuckerman, 
Edwin A. Whitfield, J. Q. A. Walker, Edgar Williams, George White. 

The mission was a sad but successful one. Without incident the city 
of Washington was reached at seven o’clock on the morning of the 6th. 

The flowers prearranged for through Comrade Jones were inspected 
by the detail and universally admired as the most perfect conception 
of arrangement to tell a story of affection, the set figures usually made 
for societies and clubs having become monotonous and stale. The rich¬ 
ness, profusion, and freshness seemed to speak the taste and refinement 
of Lafayette Post. Among ships, anchors, pillows, and flags in numbers 
at the church, the contribution of ours, conceived by an artist in floral dis¬ 
play, seemed to rest at the casket in an unconventional but expressive way. 

Senior Vice-Commander Long, Adjutant Brown, and Comrade Brackett 
called early upon the family to ascertain the wishes which they might 
desire to express. A spirit of confidence and security seemed to sur¬ 
round them when they learned that the comrades of their beloved, about 
whom he had told them so much, had arrived to bear him away to his 
silent and honored tomb. The ceremonies were to be imposing, but 
they had been arranged subject to the approval of Lafayette Post. We 
were borne in their minds as part of the Commander’s mourning family, 
who were entitled to share their grief. 

8 


The services were held at St. Aloysius’s Church, comer of North 
Capitol and I Streets, an immense structure, which was filled to the 
doors with people whose countenances betokened respect. Drawn up 
in line before the edifice was a battalion of four companies of United 
States Marines under command of Captain Robinson, with a band of 
many pieces to furnish music eminently fit for such an occasion. Eight 
sailors bore the casket into the church, between the double lines of 
Lafayette Post, while the marines stood at “ present” and the band 
played a dirge. We were seated next to the family, like protectors of 
the loved ones whom our Commander has commended to our care, and 
listened to the fullest service which the faith he had chosen could 
bestow. The Flag he had loved and had defended with honor draped 
the casket, and it bore his chapeau, and the sword which he had drawn 
for his country’s safety and defence on many an occasion of peril and 
necessity. Within the sanctified enclosure lay all that remained of our 
distinguished Comrade, the noble Admiral, clothed in the full-dress 
uniform of his profession. His pinched face and slender hands mutely 
told the story of suffering which had been borne with fortitude and nerve 
while he fought for life, as he said, that he might live with the boys of 
Lafayette for a longer time. 

Beside the remains were the pallbearers, chosen from his associates 
in life—Rear-Admiral Walker, Commodores Norton, Dewey, Farquhar, 
and Captains Schley, Crowninshield, and O’Neill of the Navy, and 
Colonel Heywood of the Marine Corps. Representatives and detach¬ 
ments from his brethren of the Loyal Legion, Military Order of Foreign 
Wars, Society of Colonial Wars, Associated Pioneers of California, Order 
of the Founders and Patriots of America, Society of Naval Architects 
and Marine Engineers, National Geographical Society, Army and Navy 
Club, Union League Club of Philadelphia, United Service Club of New 
York, and the American Catholic Historical Society, of all of which socie¬ 
ties he was a member, and in many of them a past officer. “ I enjoy 
them all,” he had often said, “but the Grand Army of the Republic 
overtops the best of them.” 

At the hearse Lafayette Post formed, when the church service was 
over, and took up its solemn tread to the City of the Dead, at Arlington, 

9 


jealous of the guard over the remains of him who had been grateful for 
the solicitude of those whom he had learned to love. 

At the tomb, amid nature’s loveliness, and surrounded with the hon¬ 
ored dead who had been the nation’s life, the last service was given to 
those sent to represent the Post. The scene was most impressive, yet 
complete and satisfactory. Every man was on a mission of duty to 
worthily represent his Post and to respectfully serve the memory of his 
Commander. The Senior Vice-Commander’s rendition was impressive; 
the Chaplain’s part effective; and the tributes of wreath and flower 
and laurel by Comrades Bach, Duncan, and Loder were laid upon the 
hero’s breast with evidences of affection. We sang a hymn, and the 
sailors lowered the body to sleep beneath the sod until the Resurrection. 
The farewell volley of the marines rang an echo through the trees and 
monuments three times, and “ taps ” sounded the eternal “ Good-by.” 

Sorrowful as was the occasion and deep as was the grief, the family 
came forward to your Comrades with smiles of gratification and thanks¬ 
giving that our service had been rendered so feelingly and so fittingly 
at the close. To use the words of one of them, “ We would not have 
been satisfied that our father had been as completely laid away as he 
had desired if you had not come with your beautiful service and affection 
to say the last farewell.” 

I bring you only messages of love, Comrades, from one who, to his 
last moments, thought of you, and dwelt upon the affection you had shown 
to him, and had in his admiring presence bestowed on one another. 

Wilbur F. Brown, 

Adjutant. 


io 


On motion of Comrade Saxton the Adjutant was instructed to print 
the foregoing report and mail it to each Comrade; but on motion of 
Comrade Brackett, that the Adjutant prepare a monograph of the Com¬ 
mander’s service in the Navy and in the Grand Army of the Republic, 
it was voted to embody the foregoing report in the monograph. 


-6 


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Extract from a letter written January i8, 1897. 













HEADQUARTERS LAFAYETTE POST, NO. J40, 
DEPARTMENT OF NEW YORK, G. A. R. 


May 17, 1897. 

Special Order No. 2. 

I. The sad duty devolves upon me of announcing the death 
of Commander Richard W. Meade, which occurred on May 4th 
at Washington, D. C., after a lingering and painful illness of 
several months. 

II. As a tribute to his memory, the office of Commander, 
by resolution of the Post, will remain vacant for three months 
from May 7 th. 

III. The vacant chair, altar and colors will be suitably 
draped, and officers will wear the emblem of mourning on their 
sword hilts during the same period. 

IV. In making this announcement it is also a fitting tribute 
to the memory of our late Commander, to allude to the qualifi¬ 
cations of so distinguished an Officer of the Navy, which made 
him a “ man of mark ” and a most worthy representative of the 
Order to which this Post so proudly belongs. He was a man 







of rare nobility and simplicity of character. His unselfish 
devotion to the principles of the Grand Army of the Republic, 
and the utter absence of all desire for personal advancement or 
promotion to office, were characteristic of true comradeship, 
and his earnest patriotism during a service of nearly half a 
century in the Navy of his country, will illumine the pages of 
history where will be recorded the deeds of those who have 
made the nation great. His compass was Truth, and his 
course Honor. Courage was an innate feature of his 
being, and fidelity to duty was a tenet of his religious faith. 
Lafayette Post is in sorrow; but the eloquence of such a life 
renders words useless to pronounce a eulogium. May the 
nobility of his manhood be reflected in us as we treasure his 
memory and dwell upon the lost companionship. 


By order of 


WILBUR F. BROWN, 

Adjutant 


JOSIAH C. LONG, 

Senior Vice - Commander , 
Commanding. 














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HIS RECORD IN THE NAVY. 


Forty-five Years of Active Service in tfie United States Navy. 

The following is taken from the record of Richard Worsam Meade, filed in the 
office of the Judge-Advocate General of the Navy, at the period of his promotion to 
Rear-Admiral : 

Richard Worsam Meade, 3d, was born in New York City (59 Perry 
Street, the residence of Judge Henry Meigs, his maternal grandfather), 
October 9, 1837. 

He was appointed Midshipman from the 1st District of California, 
October 2, 1850, and sworn in October 10th, when just thirteen years 
of age. 

From October 2, 1850, to November 20, 1851, he was at the Naval 
Academy, during which period he made practice cruises in the United 
States steamer “John Hancock,” and sloop-of-war “Preble,” from 
June to October, 1851. 

He cruised in steam frigate “ San Jacinto,” Mediterranean squadron 
(Commodores Morgan and Stringham), November 20, 1851, to April 28, 
1853 > an( I fh e sloop-of-war “ St. Louis,” April 28, 1853, to March, 1854. 
Was present at the taking of Martin Koszta from an Austrian squadron— 
brig “ Hussar ” (18), schooner “ Artemesia” (12), and Austrian Lloyd’s 
steamer (1)—in the harbor of Smyrna, July, 1853. Was also aboard 
frigate “Columbia,” home squadron (Commodore Newton), May 10, 
1854, to April 2, 1855, during which cruise in the West Indies a terrible 
epidemic of yellow fever occurred in February and March, 1855, forcing 
the vessel to go out of commission at Norfolk, Virginia. 

Returning to the Naval Academy, October 1, 1855, he remained until 
June 21, 1856, graduating No. 5 in a class originally composed of fifty- 
three members. He received a certificate of gratification in the various 

19 


branches of the curriculum from Commodore Isaac Mayo, President of 
the Board of Examiners. His warrant as Passed Midshipman is dated 
June 20, 1856. Served on board the steam frigate “ Merrimac,” north 
of Europe and West Indies, from July 12, 1856, to April 4, 1857. 

Was appointed Acting Master and Navigator, April 14, 1857, when 
but nineteen years of age, and ordered to the “ Cumberland,” the flag¬ 
ship of the squadron, on the west coast of Africa (Commodore Conover). 

Acted as Navigator, and also as Watch Officer, during the entire cruise, 
from April 14, 1857, to January 11, 1859, when he was detached at 
Porto Praya, Cape Verde Islands, and ordered to the “ Dale,” to fill a 
death vacancy. 

Promoted to be Master, January 22, 1858, and commissioned Lieu¬ 
tenant, January 23, 1858, when a little over twenty years of age. 

Was Junior Lieutenant (Watch Officer) and Navigator of the “ Dale,” 
from January 11, ,1859, to May 23, 1859, when the ship returned to the 
United States. 

Leave of absence three months. 

Served on steam frigate “ Saranac,” Pacific squadron, from September 
17, 1859, to March 20, i860. Was court-martialed for calling First 
Lieutenant Thomas Y. Field, United States Marine Corps, a “ liar and 
coward,” having previously thrashed him in the wardroom of the 
“Saranac” for uttering treasonable sentiments. Was reprimanded by 
the sentence of the court, then applied to be detached from the “ Sar¬ 
anac ” and to be ordered to the “ Cyane,” which request the Flag 
Officer granted. Served on the sloop-of-war “ Cyane,” Pacific squadron 
(Flag Officer Montgomery), from March 20, i860, to August 2, 1861. 

When the Civil War broke out he applied at once for duty against the 
public enemy on the Atlantic coast. Was taken ill in July, 1861, at 
Acapulco, Mexico, with fever, in consequence of too frequent exposure 
to the tropical sun while drilling the “ Cyane’s ” battalion of infantry 
and artillery on shore at Acapulco. When convalescent, having barely 
escaped death, he was invalided home by mail steamer and remained in 
hospital in New York until October, suffering terribly from weakness 
due to this Mexican fever. 

When just able to walk he applied for active service and was assigned 

20 


to duty as Instructor in Gunnery to volunteer officers on board the 
United States receiving ship at Boston. The class numbered over fifty, 
and this duty lasted from October 29, 1861, to January 3, 1862. On 
being detached, the officers under instruction—among whom were Acting 
Masters James R. Wheeler and Eben M. Stoddard, who afterwards com¬ 
manded the 11-inch pivot guns of the “ Kearsarge ” when she sunk the 
“ Alabama ”—presented Lieutenant Meade with a service of silver, as a 
“ mark of their grateful appreciation of his untiring zeal in imparting 
to them practical information through his drills and lectures on gun¬ 
nery. ’ ’ 

On duty aboard the steam sloop “ Dacotah,” North Atlantic blockad¬ 
ing squadron, as Executive Officer, from January 31, 1862, to March 9th, 
when his health again gave way under arduous labor, he not having fully 
recovered from the effects of the fever, and was invalided to Chelsea 
Hospital, suffering from an injury to the left leg as well, received on 
board the “ Dacotah.” In hospital until May, 1862. 

Served on board the United States steamer ‘‘ Conemaugh ’ ’ (a new 
double-ender), South Atlantic blockading squadron (Admiral Dupont), 
as Executive Officer, from June 17th to September 8, 1862, during which 
time he was in several affairs with Confederate batteries on the Vernon 
River, Georgia. 

Promoted by Naval Board of 1862, and commissioned a Lieutenant- 
Commander, July 17, 1862. 

At the age of twenty-four he was ordered to the Mississippi squadron 
(Rear-Admirals C. H. Davis and Porter) and appointed to command the 
ironclad “ Louisville,” a battleship of that day, carrying thirteen heavy 
guns and 175 men. As Commander of the “ Louisville” from Septem¬ 
ber 15 th to December 1, 1862, he was actively engaged in breaking up 
guerrilla warfare on the Mississippi between Memphis, Tennessee, and 
Helena, Arkansas, cooperating with the troops under Major-General 
William T. Sherman and Brigadier-General Eugene Carr, and narrowly 
escaped being killed by the fire of a band of guerrillas near Helena, in 
company with Lieutenant-Commander William Gwinn, who was after¬ 
wards killed at Haines’ Bluff. The guerrillas were dispersed with can¬ 
ister from a small howitzer in the bow of a tug, which gun was fired 

21 


by Meade himself. During this time he commanded the naval division 
off Helena for about two weeks, cooperating with the army, which was 
hourly expecting an attack in force from General Hindman, C.S.A. 
The division consisted of nine vessels, but Captain Henry Walker arrived 
in the “ Carondelet ” and took command. While doing service off the 
famous Island No. io, he was disabled, and invalided east from Cairo, 
the surgeon reporting to Rear-Admiral D. D. Porter that otherwise he 
would lose his left leg, and probably his life. He was highly com¬ 
mended by Rear-Admiral Porter in official despatches, and in one letter 
to the Department the Admiral says : 

“ The good example Lieutenant-Commander Meade has set has not been lost on 
others. He also reports the ‘ Louisville ’ in splendid condition for service.” 

In 1863, from January 26th to June 15th, with short intervals of the 
same duty at Boston, he was Assistant Inspector of Ordnance at New 
York, keeping very busy all the time, though hardly able to stand at 
times from ill health. 

From June 15 th to July 2, 1863, he commanded the chartered 
steamer “ United States/’ sent out in search of the Confederate privateer 
“Tacony,” Captain Charles Reed, C.S.N. He got on Reed’s track 
when he burned the “ Tacony ” and transferred to the “Archer,” and 
followed him into Portland, unfortunately too late to prevent the cap¬ 
ture and destruction of the revenue cutter “ Cushing.” Reed surren¬ 
dered to the citizens of Portland, who followed him in two large 
steamers. During this short cruise of about two weeks, Meade boarded 
and overhauled twenty-seven vessels, and on June 19th captured the 
British brig “ Isabella Thompson,” which was legally approved accord¬ 
ing to Supreme Court reports. For his service in this short cruise he 
was commended by his official superiors for his energy and activity, 
having completely fitted out the “ United States ” with guns, stores, and 
men, and sailed from the yard in less than twelve hours after taking 
command. 

During the July riots of that year in New York City, he commanded 
the Naval Battalion, stationed under Major-General Wool’s orders in 
the lower part of the city, from July 13th to 20th. In this position he 

22 


protected the United States Arsenal store-houses (200,000 stand of arms), 
the banks, sub-treasury, and Custom House, keeping order within the 
limits of the district by promptly dispersing all disorderly gatherings. 
His force at no time exceeded 250 men (sailors and marines) with three 
howitzers. His battalion was the only force of regulars in the city until 
he was relieved by the Twenty-sixth Michigan Regiment, Colonel Farrar, 
fresh from the battlefield of Gettysburg. When the riots were quelled 
he resumed his duties as Assistant Inspector of Ordnance. 

From September 12, 1863, until April, 1864, he commanded the 
steam gunboat “ Marblehead,” South Atlantic blockading fleet (Rear- 
Admiral Dahlgren), and in the siege of Charleston, South Carolina, was 
stationed in the Stone River on picket duty, performing a multitude of 
services in connection with the outposts of General George H. Gordon’s 
division of General Gillmore’s besieging army. The “ Marblehead ” 
was attacked at early dawn, December 25, 1863, by a large force of 
artillery and infantry, off Legareville, on the Stone River, under General 
Del Kemper of General Wise’s division, C.S.A. The enemy having 
built earthworks on John’s Island, under cover of the trees, opened at 
dawn a very heavy and accurate fire on the “ Marblehead,” hoping either 
to sink her, capture her (as they had done the United States steamer 
“ Isaac Smith ” the year before), or drive her off; then erect heavier works 
and drive Gillmore’s transports out of Stone Inlet, thus turning his flank. 
The “ Marblehead ” carried six guns and only seventy men, being short 
of her complement; moreover, she was partially disabled, one of her 
boilers being under repairs. The enemy had not less than sixteen 
pieces of artillery, including two 8-inch guns in the earthworks, and at 
least 1,000 men in the entire attacking command. Notwithstanding 
these formidable odds, at only 800 yards range, the “Marblehead” 
tenaciously held her own, and the enemy was routed. The steamer 
“ Pawnee ” came to the “ Marblehead’s ” help, and enfiladed the Con¬ 
federate batteries from the Kiowah River, and the mortar schooner 
“ Williams ” came down the Folly River and joined in the action. The 
battle lasted hotly for two hours, and ended with the total defeat and 
precipitate flight of the enemy, who abandoned two 8-inch guns, their 
equipment, the dead which lay in the earthworks, and all their intrench- 

23 


ing tools. The “Marblehead” had been struck in the hull thirty 
times and was greatly cut up aloft; she had three killed and six wounded, 
nearly all within the first fifteen minutes. Captain Meade was slightly 
wounded in this engagement by an iron splinter from a “ bitt ” striking 
his left foot, but refused to go on surgeon’s report, merely wearing a 
loose shoe for a week. Shortly after the flight of the enemy the captain 
took the gig, landed, and planted the “ Marblehead’s ” colors over the 
enemy’s earthworks, and then reported to Captain Balch, the Division 
Commander on the “ Pawnee,” that the abandoned guns could surely be 
brought away. On the 28th an expedition of 100 men under Captain 
Meade’s personal command landed, and brought away the two 8-inch 
guns, destroying the carriages and earthworks. 

For this service Captain Balch commended him to Rear-Admiral 
Dahlgren in these words : 

“ I desire to bear my testimony to the skill and bravery of Lieutenant-Commander 
Meade, who under a sharp fire worked his guns with great rapidity and handled his 
vessel admirably.” 

Captain Meade was also commended and thanked in a Fleet General 
Order by Admiral Dahlgren, the order to be read on every quarter-deck 
in the fleet, then numbering over seventy vessels. He was also informed 
by Admirals Porter and Dahlgren that his name was on the list of those 
recommended for promotion by the Board of Admirals, of which Ad¬ 
miral Farragut was the president, for “ gallant conduct in face of the 
enemy.” 

On the return of the “ Marblehead ” to New York for repairs, Cap¬ 
tain Meade was summoned to Washington and complimented by Assist¬ 
ant Secretary Fox, and introduced to President Lincoln, who thanked 
him for his gallant defence of the flag in Stone River. He was further 
honored by the Department with a command in Admiral Farragut’s fleet, 
being assigned to the steamer “ Chocura.” On reporting to Admiral 
Farragut, off Mobile, the Admiral said he “ wanted good officers on the 
Texas coast,” where the squadron had recently several serious reverses. 
While en route for station on board the transport “ Admiral,” he assisted 

24 


in the capture of the steamer " Ysabel ” (blockade runner) after a vigor¬ 
ous and exciting chase of some hours. The " Ysabel ” subsequently sunk, 
owing to the fire of the “ Admiral.” 

He commanded the "Chocura” in the West Gulf blockading 
squadron from May 3, 1864, to July 7, 1865. During nearly all this 
time he was very actively engaged in blockading the Texas coast and 
harassing the enemy. For about eleven months the " Chocura” under 
his command did not enter any port, coaling and provisioning at anchor 
on the open coast. 

From October to December, 1864, he captured, assisted in capturing, 
or destroyed seven blockade runners, viz. : 

Schooner " Louisa,” captured off Arkansas Pass, Texas. 

Schooner " Cora Smyser,”captured off Velasco, Texas. 

Schooner " Louisa, No. 2,” run ashore and destroyed near Caney 
Creek, Texas. 

Three-masted schooner" Lowood,” taken seventy miles from Velasco, 
cotton ladened. 

Schooner "Julia,” captured off Velasco. 

Schooner " Lote Hurley,” captured off Velasco. 

Schooner " Alabama,” taken in company of the " Princess Royal,” 
near San Luis Pass, Texas. 

The property thus captured or destroyed must have cost the original 
owners a quarter of a million of dollars. 

On the night of January 22, 1865, he took personal command of a 
launch and two cutters, and with forty men cut out of Calcasieu River, 
Louisiana, and destroyed, in face of a force of 300 Confederates, the 
blockade runner " Delphina,” cotton ladened, for which service he 
was officially thanked by Commodore Palmer, commanding the fleet, 
in Admiral Farragut’s presence; also commended by the Divisional 
Commander, Captain Emmons. 

April 24, 1865, he was present at the affair of the ram " Webb,” 
Captain Charles Reed, C.S.N., in front of New Orleans. She ran the 
gauntlet of the fleet; one shot from the "Chocura” struck a cotton 
bale near her pilot house, the " Chocura ” being at the levee and under 
extensive repairs at the time. 


25 


The war ending, he was detached, and ordered to the Naval Academy 
at the request of Admiral Porter, who had been appointed Superin¬ 
tendent. 

At the Naval Academy from July 7, 1865, to September 1, 1868, he 
was head of the Department of Seamanship and Naval Tactics. With 
Admiral Porter’s approval he introduced the regular study of Naval 
Construction into the curriculum, and advocated the scientific education 
of cadets for Naval Constructors. During these years he commanded 
the frigate “ Santee,” in the summer of 1865, from Newport to Annapolis; 
the “Marblehead,” on the coast of the United States, in the summer 
of 1866 j and the “Dale,” in the summer of 1867, on the coasts of 
England and France. 

Detached from the Naval Academy, he was ordered to the “ Saginaw,” 
Pacific station, and was in command from October 24, 1868, to May 5, 
1869, stationed in Alaska, occupied in exploring and surveying the 
country and quieting turbulent Indian tribes. He found coal mines 
on Admiralty Island and mined all the coal needed to run the ship. 
In cooperation with General J. C. Davis, U.S.A., he waged war on 
the Kake Indians, and burned several of their villages and stockade 
forts, and made them sue for peace. The cause of the punishment was 
the murder, by the Indians, of two American traders. 

He was commissioned a Commander, September 20, 1868, when not 
quite thirty-one years of age. 

Did special duty May 5th to November, 1869, compiling a text book 
on Naval Construction for the Naval Academy. 

From November, 1869, to July, 1870, his duty was inspecting gun 
foundries, in anticipation of trouble with Spain, visiting all the prin¬ 
cipal foundries in the country, and making reports to the Bureau of 
Ordnance as to capacity, time required to commence work, number 
of guns per week after first order, etc. 

During the summer of 1870 he was detailed to command the United 
States schooner “ America ” for “ experimental purposes.” He sailed 
in the race of August 8, 1870, at New York, and beat the English yacht 
“Cambria,” owned by Mr. James Ashbury, nearly four miles, passing 
the stake-boat fourth out of over twenty yachts entered for this contest. 

26 


This event was one of the most exciting ever known in New York harbor, 
and was witnessed by an immense number of people. 

From October 8th to December 21, 1870, he was on duty as a mem¬ 
ber of an examining board, Commodore Le Roy, President, to examine 
midshipmen of the class of 1869. 

He was in command of the United States steamer “ Narragansett,” 
Pacific station, from February 15, 1871, to April 22, 1873, and was 
specially commended by the Secretary of the Navy in his annual report 
to the President of the United States “for great judgment and skill” 
in negotiating a commercial treaty in the Samoan Islands (see report 
of the Secretary of the Navy for 1872, pp. 13 and 14). 

Between March 21, 1871, and April 1, 1873, the “ Narragansett ” 
passed 431 days at sea, under way and actively cruising, sailing almost 
entirely under canvas nearly 60,000 miles. Her coal expenditures in 
all this time was only about $13,000. During this cruise she visited 
nearly every part of the Pacific, extending her cruise to Australia and 
the Coral Sea; surveyed a number of harbors, reefs, and islands ; made 
treaties with native Islanders, and collected in the Gilbert Islands an 
indemnity for outrages on American missionaries and residents, without 
death or casualty of any kind. This cruise was so unusual a one as to 
attract much notice from the American public at home and our citizens 
abroad, and many complimentary notices appeared regarding it, espe¬ 
cially in the Honolulu papers, and in a book written by the United 
States Consul at Singapore, entitled “Among Our Sailors.” In an 
official letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Commander Meade, 
dated May 2, 1873, the Admiral of the Navy is quoted as speaking of 
the “ Narragansett ” and her returns of exercises as follows : “ The best 
ever sent in; ” and reports her as performing “ more professional work 
than any other ship afloat for the past two years,” with other highly 
complimentary language. 

In May, 1873, he was on special duty to prepare a report on Amer¬ 
ican trade in the Pacific, and was complimented in an official letter by 
the Chief of the Bureau of Navigation (Commodore Ammen) for the 
report transmitted. 

From June 30, 1873, t0 May 1, 1876, he was Inspector of Ordnance 

27 


at the New York Navy Yard, and for the greater part of the time was 
Navigation Officer also ; in addition to these duties he acted for a portion 
of the time as Captain of the yard, performing also a great many special 
duties. From May i, 1876, to November 29, 1878, he was on waiting 
orders, through no desire of his own, but because, he always supposed, 
he had expressed his mind too freely to the Naval Committee of the 
House of Representatives on the condition of the Navy and the folly of 
greatly repairing wooden ships—an opinion somewhat in advance of the 
action of the government, which subsequently recognized the necessity of 
a better navy by building what is now known as the “ white squadron.” 

November 29, 1878, he performed special duty as the senior member 
of the Board for the Revision of the Ordnance Instructions. He had 
been during the previous summer a member of the Torpedo Inspection 
Board at Newport. 

From January 21, 1879, to May 2, 1882, he commanded the United 
States steamer 4 ‘ Vandalia,” North Atlantic station. During this time 
he commanded the Naval Division, North Atlantic fleet (about 1,100 
men), at the unveiling of the statue of Admiral Farragut, in Washington, 
D. C., and the Naval Brigade (1,200 men) at the Yorktown Centennial, 
October 19, 1881. 

He was commissioned Captain, March 13, 1880. 

Received the thanks of the State Department for services on the 
coast of Newfoundland in the summer of 1881, in connection with the 
Fortune Bay affair and the indemnity paid to American fishermen by 
the British government. 

On giving up the command of the “Vandalia,” after a cruise of 
thirty-nine months, the Rear-Admiral commanding the squadron (Wyman) 
wrote officially to the Secretary of the Navy (April 4, 1882), as follows : 

“ I cannot too highly commend Captain Meade to the Department for the energy, 
zeal, and intelligence which he has displayed during his term of service under my 
command. As a commanding officer he has no superior.” 

July 28, 1882, he was detailed a member of the Board of Inspection 
and Survey and Appraisement of old or obsolete vessels belonging to the 
Navy. The work of this Board, which involved much personal fatigue, 

28 


cleared the Navy list of its hulks and obsolete wooden ships, and 
perfectly vindicated his advanced opinions expressed in 1874-5-6. 

In August, 1882, on the Torpedo Inspection Board at New York, he 
wrote the report which recommended the purchase of Whitehead torpe¬ 
does and manufacture of gun cotton. 

July 1, 1883, to March 31, 1884, was Captain of the New York Navy 
Yard. 

March 31, 1884, to November 5, 1885, he was on leave of absence, 
and engaged in private business of an important character with the 
Missouri Pacific Railway Company in the West and Southwest. 

November 5, 1885, to December 1, 1885, he was a member of the 
Examining and Retiring Boards. 

December 1, 1885, to July 7, 1886, was on special duty commanding 
the “ Dolphin.” Upon his report as to the general performance of this 
vessel, both in smooth water and in a gale off Cape Hatteras, the “ Dol¬ 
phin” was finally accepted by the Department. Nearly all of the 
improvements since made in her were verbally advised by him in 1886. 

July 7, 1886, to September 15, 1887, he was President of the Board 
of Inventory to take account of stores and materials belonging to the 
Navy. Upon his report to the Secretary, dated November 1, 1886, the 
celebrated General Order No. 355 was issued by Secretary Whitney. 

During the term of the Secretary of the Navy (Whitney) he strongly 
recommended Captain Meade in his various reports to the President. 

September 15, 1887, to September 15, 1890, he was Commandant of 
the Navy Yard at Washington, D. C. During this period the new gun- 
shops were built and installed, the railway connection with the Pennsyl¬ 
vania Railroad Company made, which enabled all material for guns, 
carriages, etc., to be brought to the yard shops, and tools direct from 
the manufacturer, with one handling. He also introduced the auto¬ 
matic fire alarm and watchman detector, and an efficient electric light 
plant all over the yard, and added a new steel tug, the “ Triton,” to the 
yard equipment. The general improvements made in three years were 
too numerous to mention. The new proving ground at Indian Head 
was also begun during his period of command. 

From September 15, 1890, to May 16, 1893, he was a member of the 

29 


Board of Management and Control, World’s Columbian Exposition, 
Chicago, Illinois. He conceived the idea of building a model of battle¬ 
ship as an exhibit of the Navy Department. This scheme, which resulted 
in the creation of the “ Illinois,” was at first ridiculed as impracticable, 
but it was brought to a triumphant success (see report of Secretary of 
Navy, pp. 57, 58). 

May 5, 1892, he was commissioned Commodore, the United States 
Senate paying Commodore Meade the very high compliment of confer¬ 
ring his nomination by President Harrison without the formality of a 
reference to the Naval Committee. 

September 27, 1893, he was ordered to duty as President of Naval 
Examining and Retiring Board, where he continued on duty until 
August 1, 1894, when he was detached, and ordered as Rear-Admiral 
to command the North Atlantic station. He hoisted his flag on the 
armored cruiser “ New York,” August 4, 1894. From January to May, 
1895, Rear-Admiral Meade’s squadron were all actively employed in the 
West Indies, and those ships under his immediate eye had a very stirring 
cruise. The squadron consisted of the armored cruiser “ New York ” 
(flagship), speed 21 knots; triple-screw cruisers “Columbia” and 
“ Minneapolis,” speed 23 knots; double-screw cruisers “ Raleigh ” and 
“Cincinnati,” speed 19 knots; double-screw cruiser “ Montgomery,” 
speed 18 knots; and single-screw cruiser “Atlanta” (original speed 
14 knots). The first five were in the evolutionary squadron. During 
this cruise Rear-Admiral Meade received the thanks of the British 
government for saving the town of Port of Spain, Trinidad, from being 
destroyed by fire on the night of March 4th. The letter conveying the 
thanks of Her Majesty’s government through the British Ambassador, 
Sir Julian Paunceforte, is dated April 16, 1895. He had previously 
received the thanks of the Royal Governor, Sir Frederick Napier Broome 
and the citizens of Port of Spain. 

May 7, 1895, he applied to be detached from his command and 
retired from active service under Section 1,443, Revised Statutes. 
May 20th this request was granted by the President, and he went on the 
voluntary retired list, having served his country actively for forty-four 
years and seven months. 


30 


Rear-Admiral Meade was the author of a pamphlet on “ Boat Exer¬ 
cise at the Naval Academy,” published in 1866; of a work on ship¬ 
building, published by Bonsall, at Annapolis, 1867; of a translation 
from the French of M. de Cresenoy, “ Our Naval School and Naval 
Officers,” published by Van Nostrand, New York, 1873; and of an 
extended compilation on “ Naval Construction,” which was published 
by Lippincott, Philadelphia, 1869. He had also contributed many 
articles on professional and other subjects to the leading magazines and 
periodicals of the country. Among these were ‘‘ Thoughts on Naval 
Administration,” published in the Army and Navy Journal, 1874-5, 
and “Memoir of Rear-Admiral Paulding, U.S.N.,” published in 
Harper’s Magazine, February, 1879. 

He had sea service of nearly eighteen and a half years, of which 
twelve years were performed as a commanding officer. He had nineteen 
years “ other duty,” all of which was directly connected with the mili¬ 
tary duties of his profession. He never had any “fancy duty,” so 
called. He had been seven years unemployed, three years of which 
were due to no desire of his own. At the request of Representative 
(later Senator) Roger Q. Mills of the Naval Committee, Commander 
Meade wrote two bills—one to reorganize the Navy Department, and 
the other to reorganize and render efficient the Navy itself. These 
bills were introduced in December, 1876, by Mr. Mills. They pro¬ 
voked much comment at the time, and though no action was taken 
thereon, still many of the ideas in them have since been turned to 
practical use in the Navy. 













% 



0 


































COMMANDER MEADE'S RECORD OF SERVICE 

IN THE 

GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC 


July 4, 1895. Made application for membership in Lafayette Post, 
No. 140, Department of New York. 

August 2, 1895. Mustered in with full ceremony at Post Head¬ 
quarters, New York. 

September 9, 1895. Proceeded with the Post in full Post uniform 
to Louisville, Kentucky, to attend the National Encampment. 

December 6, 1895. Elected Commander of the Post. 

January 3, 1896. Publicly installed as Commander at Post Head¬ 
quarters, by Past Commander-in-Chief Robert B. Beath of Pennyslvania. 

May 20, 1896. Elected “Delegate at Large” by the Department 
Encampment at Utica, New York, to represent the Department at the 
National Encampment held at St. Paul, Minnesota, September 4 and 5, 
1896. 

September 5, 1896. Nominated at the National Encampment at 
St. Paul, Minnesota, for Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Army of the 
Republic. Before balloting he withdrew his name. 

December 4, 1896. Reelected Commander of Lafayette Post. 

January i, 1897. Installed as Commander of the Post for a second 
term by Past Commander Copp of the Post. 


35 


# 




9 


Address on the Occasion of the Presentation by Lafayette Post of 
Pedestal, Staff, and Flags to Columbia University, May 2, J896* 

Mr. President : As a soldier of the Grand Army of the Republic and Com¬ 
mander of Lafayette Post, named for that chivalric young Frenchman who crossed 
the seas to champion the cause of freedom, I have been delegated by my Comrades to 
present to the President and Trustees of Columbia University the flag of our country, 
to be hoisted at the staff erected by Lafayette Post in front of the Library Building, 
where, resting upon a granite and bronze support, typical of the enduring nature of 
the principles symbolized by the banner of the Nation, there will be found on the 
pedestal in letters of bronze the charge to the students of Columbia to “ love, cherish, 
and defend it.” 

Mr. President, as I stand here in the presence of this great gathering of men 
renowned in law, literature, art, science, and commerce, I cannot help regretting that 
instead of a professional man of the sword, our committee did not select one of my 
Comrades known to possess the gift of eloquence. My words may seem feeble in 
comparison with those that might fall from the lips of one trained to the bar and 
schooled in the devices that move great bodies of men to uncontrollable emotion 
through the sublime gift of oratory. Yet I am consoled in the thought that the 
words I utter come from the depths of my heart, and that what I say is the result of 
an experience as a practical defender of the honor of this flag we men of the sword 
hold so dear. 

Why do soldiers and sailors of the Republic love their colors as men love life ? 

Why is this emblem of nationality so dear to the hearts of the soldiers and sailors 
of the Republic ? 

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE FLAG. 

Because, sir, the flag is to us what the cross was to the Christian apostles, what 
the cross on the hilt of the sword was to the knightly Crusader—the emblem of faith, 
confidence, love. The standard of a nation has ever been to men a most sacred 
thing ; so sacred, indeed, that Holy Writ declares by the mouth of the great Lawgiver 
(Numbers ii. 2): “And every man of the children of Israel shall pitch by his own 
standard, with the ensign of their father’s house.” So sacred that the Roman soldier 
was sworn upon his standard, and it was a common thing for the Roman generals 
to cast the standard into the ranks of the enemy, knowing well that to every man of 

37 


his legion that standard was so precious that the most desperate deeds of valor would 
be done to regain it. 

And rivalling the ancients of the heroic age, tens of thousands of American 
soldiers and sailors have sealed their devotion to their colors with their life s blood, 
and the great loyal heart of this free people goes out in gratitude to them for it, and 
this great nation of seventy millions can forever be trusted to remember the men who 
uphold the honor of the Stars and Stripes ; for loyalty to the colors, whether to victory 
or defeat, whether to life or unto death—these are the marks of the true believer. 
How great a crime, then, does that man commit who brings shame upon the flag— 
the emblem of his country—and how great is the glory of that man who reflects honor 
upon his flag—the symbol of the Nation’s honor. 

One of the most beautiful legends in the history of Christianity is that which 
tells the story of Constantine’s vision. How on the march to Rome, sore oppressed 
in mind, with doubts and fears as to the issue of his bold adventures, and half-tempted 
to retrace his steps, suddenly at midday, above the splendor of the sun, he saw in the 
heavens a fiery cross, and beneath it in letters of flame the immortal legend: “By 
this sign conquer ! ” 

Who will gainsay the assertion that this glorious emblem of our nationality—the 
flag of our Union—is as much the sign of hope to us as the radiant vision was to the 
great Roman soldier? 

Look at it as it kisses the winds with graceful folds, and tell me if it be not the 
one true rallying mark for all honest hearts, of whatever race or belief, who own 
allegiance to this mighty Republic. 

SYMBOLISM IN THE COLORS. 

Look at its beautiful colors as they gleam in the splendor of the sun—the white 
symbolic of purity and honor; the red typical of the blood which has been shed and 
which will continue to be shed, if need be, in defence of the integrity and perpetuity 
of American institutions ; and the blue with its silvery stars representing the great 
canopy of heaven under which the soldiers of the Republic on the land toils on the 
weary march or bivouacs in the silence of the night, or the sailor on the broad expanse 
of ocean keeps his weary watch and vigil that the citizens of the Republic may rest 
secure ; while over all He who watches over the destinies of this mighty nation of 
freemen, He in whose kindly providence our forefathers implicitly trusted, neither 
slumbers nor sleeps. 

And under this immortal banner men of all shades of political opinion, of all 
forms of religious belief, can rally for the eternal principles of right, justice, and 
liberty under law. Loyalty to the Stars and Stripes—loyalty to the flag of the 
Nation—that is the creed of the American. Perish the thought that there may be 
found dissenters to this creed North, South, East or West. 

Our flag is the flag of peace ; it stands for peace and not for war. Wherever it 

38 


goes it carries encouragement and cheer to races of men less favored than ourselves. 
It is everywhere a harbinger of hope to the oppressed. 

It stands for liberty unsullied by wanton license ; for freedom to worship God 
“without let or hindrance;” for the equality of all men before the law; for the 
greatest good to the greatest number. 

It is the flag of peace, progress, and prosperity; it is not the flag of selfish 
aggrandkement. It has been the symbol in battle of the justice of its cause; for I 
dare to assert that Americans have never waged unjust wars, and that, God helping 
them, they never will. It is the flag that in the most terrible civil war of modern 
times stood always for morality, not rapine ; mercy, and not ruthlessness; magna¬ 
nimity, and not revenge. Oh, sir, the flag of a benign Providence itself, for it 
symbolizes justice, mercy, and unity under the stars of heaven. 

Then, sir, if my words be true, be diligent in season and out of season to 
charge your youth who enter these halls of learning to “ love, cherish and defend it! ’* 



39 


Address at the Reception by Lafayette Post to Commander-in-Chief 
Garkson, November 20, \Z96 ♦ 


It is with great pleasure that I am enabled this evening to present to my Com¬ 
rades of Lafayette Post our Commander-in-Chief, unanimously elected in St. Paul 
last September. It is a special pleasure for me to bid him welcome here, as I think 
I first predicted to him his election the day before it occurred, and had the honor of 
being the Comrade detailed by Commander-in-Chief Walker to escort Commander-in- 
Chief Clarkson to the platform. I was then enabled to whisper to him, as we went 
forward, the words that we have heard so often in New York since November 4th as 
to another matter that greatly interested us, “ Didrlt I tell you so? ” 

Comrades of the Grand Army of the Republic , I belong to many patriotic 
societies, but there is none in which I esteem my membership more highly than the 
Grand Army. The other societies are all excellent in their way; they inculcate 
patriotism and devotion to the principles that underlie true Americanism ; but they 
are all, to a more or less degree, devoted to the laudation of their patriotic ancestors, 
their own worthy selves, or their promising progeny. Now the Grand Army of the 
Republic is sui generis. It had no predecessor, it can have no successor. When 
we the men who went to the front in 1861 that this great nation might live, and that 
the principles of liberty and justice in this land might not die ; when we confronted 
armed Rebellion, we ourselves founded the Order of the Grand Army of the Republic 
and the Order dies with us. We hired no substitutes, as Archbishop Ireland recently 
told us tin this Post, but we did the work ourselves. We then and there made our 
motto, which has become the motto of our Order—“ Fraternity, Charity, Loyalty.” 

In these later days (thirty-one years after the Confederacy was shot to death at 
Appomattox) the Loyalty is as strong as ever ; but have we quite as much of the spirit 
of Fraternity and Charity as in the days of 1861 ? Fraternity is the close brotherhood 
that binds comrades in arms to each other, but Charity is the love of one’s fellow man. 
It is the overweening love that impels noble minds to do noble things. St. Paul, 
you know, says in his beautiful Epistle to the Corinthians, “ And though I bestow all 
my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not 
charity, it profiteth nothing.” Charity, therefore, is not mere almsgiving or assisting 
others in distress ; it is far more. 

Now we have Loyalty in full measure in our Order, therefore let us not be 
economical of Fraternity and Charity, as I fear we sometimes are. 

40 


In principle our Order is the noblest association of military men the world has 
yet seen ; let us make it worthy in all respects of its principles. That our Com- 
mander-in-Chief will lead us in the right way I have not the smallest doubt. Within 
forty-eight hours of the firing on Fort Sumter his young life and services were placed 
at the disposal of his country—not for thirty days or ninety days, but for the war. 
He drew his first breath on the soil of the grand old Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, 
near the point which marks the “high-water mark of the Rebellion,” and the field of 
the bloodiest and most momentous conflict ever waged on the Continent of America. 
He is from Gettysburg, and any man who comes from that spot has the key to my 
heart. 

He was born at that historic town, and the proudest soldier of our Grand Army 
can claim no higher honor than to have graduated at Gettysburg in July, 1863. You 
remember when St. Paul told the chief captain of the Roman cohort that he was a 
Roman citizen, the soldier replied, “ With a great sum obtained I this freedom,” and 
Paul’s answer, “ But I was born free.” 

Oh the solemn memories that cluster around that historic town ! Oh the great 
price <paid there in noble lives that this nation might live ! Thirty-three years ago 
Abraham Lincoln, standing on that same ground, used these words: “ The world will 
little note or long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they 
did here.” 

“ Antietam’s name may be forgot, 

And Vicksburg be an unknown spot, 

Or Chickamauga’s name be new; 

But still in story and in song, 

For many an age remembered long, 

Shall live ‘ the Little Round Top’ hill, 

The ‘ Devil’s Dew,’ its bloody rill, 

And field of Gettysburg.” 

Comrades, I present to you Comrade Clarkson, Commander-in-Chief of the 
Grand Army of the Republic, a Grand Army man born at Gettysburg. 


> 


Address at Memorial Service, December 18, 1896. 

That faith in the gift of an All-wise God is alike the creed of Christian anu 
Moslem, and even of the Buddhist and Pagan ; for it is a belief instinctive in the 
heart of man. 

We are gathered here to-night to give evidence of our faith that the good works 
and efforts of our departed Comrades live after them ; that they have merely gone 
before us to the place where we shall all sooner or later go; that they have only 
“crossed the river that they may rest in the shade ” or the sunlight, as their works 
here below may merit. 

It is a solemn and yet not a sad occasion that calls us together. As the leaves 
fall year by year, so those years roll on in the great march of eternity ; so men like¬ 
wise drop out of the walks of life and their comrades know them no more on earth. 
But even as the trees put forth their beautiful foliage in the spring, so do we believe 
that our departed Comrades shall meet us on the hither shore, in the radiant robes of 
that righteousness which their good works in the cause of liberty, country, and love 
for their fellow man have entitled them to hope for at the hands of Him who is All 
justice, mercy, and love, and who has promised to man that He will reward plenti¬ 
fully even those who have given so little as a cup of cold water in His name. 

Therefore, my Comrades, as we are not here to mourn, but to rejoice for the 
examples of our departed brethren who, having fulfilled the law of charity, which is 
love, have been taken away from us for a brief space, so let us pass the time not in 
vain regrets, but in remembrance of the fact that while in life they proved their faith 
in imperilling their lives, so that paraphrasing that masterly address of Abraham 
Lincoln on the great battle ground of the Rebellion we can truly say: 

“ It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us ; 
that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they 
imperilled their lives ; that we here highly resolve that their devotion to their country 
shall not prove vain, but that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of free¬ 
dom ; and that government of the people, by the people, and for the people shall not 
perish from the earth ! ” 



42 


Annual Address as Commander of Lafayette Post, January \ r 1897, 


Comrades, another year of our Grand Army life has closed—another one begun. 
The past has been full of lessons ; if we profit by them, the future may be full of 
blessings. 

It is always beneficial to review the past, if we do so with the purpose of im¬ 
proving the future. In an organization so unique as the Grand Army of the 
Republic we have no guide from kindred associations. We must be guided by 
the principles on which our obligation rests : 

FRATERNITY, CHARITY, LOYALTY. 

Have we been true to our vows ? Looking back over the field of labor for the 
year just closed will help each one of us to answer this question for himself. 

In the beginning of the year, when your Commander took the place of honor 
assigned to him by yourself, he found on the Muster Roll of the Post 615 Comrades, 
to which there have been added 23—13 by transfer, 7 by muster, 3 by reinstatement; 
and we have lost 30—4 by transfer, 2 honorably discharged, 8 dropped, and 16 by 
death. Items that show the unique character of this great Order bound together by 
the ties of Comradeship born in the struggle for our country’s life. That we have 
gained twice as many by transfer as by muster proves that the Grand Army has 
reached—yes, passed—the zenith of its strength ; that so large a number have gone 
out into the cloudless eternity shows the approaching end. Surely the lesson is 
fraught with admonition to draw closer together in our fraternal relations, that we 
may descend the slope of Time with none but feelings of helpfulness and the sub- 
limest Comradeship. In our age of weakness we can gather strength by oneness of 
purpose. If we have work yet to do, let us work with earnestness while the day 
lasts, for the night is at hand in which no man can work. 

Our financial position, as shown by the Quartermaster’s report, has greatly 
improved. The balance, at the beginning of the year, in the General Fund was 
$225.35 ; now it is $555.71, with all obligations promptly met during the year. The 
Relief Fund, though liberally dispensed, is now $4,204.78, against $4,318.46 at 
the beginning, though we have cut off one source of supply, viz.: the per capita 
assessment which prevailed for several previous years; and we have made a disburse- 

43 


ment of $445.25 in relief by donations and loans. Much of this success is due to 
the efficient service of our faithful Quartermaster, and to the gentle reminders we 
have given that those who are able to pay their dues should do so, that those who are 
unable to pay may be assisted. 

Some of the many items of interest which have engaged your attention are 
worthy of special note : 

January 3. Public Installation of Officers by Past Commander-in-Chief 
Robert B. Beath of Pennsylvania. The affair was creditable in every detail and 
apparently satisfactory to the Comrades and pleasurable to their guests. New as 
was the experience to your Commander, he became convinced by the commendation 
of the installing officer and the praise of the visitors that this one had not been 
surpassed in warmth of welcome and reception of hospitality. The expense was 
borne without charge to the Post fund, and there was no stint of supply. 

January 17. Reception of letter from George G. Meade Post No. 1 of Penn¬ 
sylvania, expressive of sorrow and sympathy with Lafayette Post for the loss by 
death of that gallant soldier, Francis C. Barlow. Another proof of the Comradeship 
and esteem we have created for our Post beyond the borders of our State. 

February 7. Another letter was received from George G. Meade Post eulogiz¬ 
ing our own Comrade Miles, and giving a synopsis of the work of that Post in behalf 
of the bill pending in Congress for the revival of the grade of Lieutenant-General 
in the interest of our Comrade. The same was acknowledged with a strong fraternal 
response, and this Post authorized the Adjutant to invite the aid of the Commander- 
in-Chief, Department Commander, E. W. Kinsley Post of Massachusetts, and the 
Senators and Congressmen from New York. 

The bill has not yet become a law, but the warm response from all of whom 
assistance was asked gave good evidence of the value of Lafayette’s good name and 
the regard in which it is held. It will be acted on favorably after the 4th of March 
next. 

March 4. The Illustrated Lecture at Chickering Hall on “The Caribbean Sea, 
the Mediterranean of the Western World,” by your Commander, was well attended. 
The night was extremely inclement, but there were proceeds as a result, which were 
divided between the Fund for the Columbia University Flag Pedestal and the Enter¬ 
tainment Fund. 

March 20. The Adjutant delivered an Illustrated Lecture on “ Norway, the 
Land of Waterfalls,” for the entertainment of Comrades and their families, at Post 
Headquarters. The Camp was full, and the lecture well received. 

March 31. An invitation to be present at the War Veteran Camp Fire of the 
New York Methodist Conference was accepted by many Comrades of the Post, find¬ 
ing it a love-feast of rare enjoyment and instruction. 

April 3. A Voluntary Subscription for the relief of Widow Gage, a person 
unknown to the Post, whose husband, though a soldier, had not been a member of 

44 


the Grand Army of the Republic. The sum given was twenty-one dollars, which the 
widow gratefully acknowledged. 

Comrade Edgar announced the purchase of the original Post picture which had 
been accomplished by voluntary subscriptions. It has been given into the custody of 
the Board of Officers of the Seventy-first Regiment, N. G. N. Y., and may be seen at 
any time. The courtesy of this regiment in caring for the picture of such dimensions 
is in testimony of their regard. It should be appreciated and remembered by all. 

April 17. Past Commander Adams, Chief Aide on the Staff of the Com- 
mander-in-Chief, having in charge Military Instruction in Public Schools, having 
just returned from a tour through the South, presented to the Post his observations, 
experience, and impressions, after which Mr. Kemble of West Virginia entertained 
the Post with an address, and with stories that were quaint and interesting. Past 
Commander Cook, of George H. Thomas Post of Illinois, made a stirring and 
interesting Grand Army address. It was an Encampment of pleasure and good cheer. 

May 2. Dedication of Site for Pedestal and Flag Staff at Columbia University. 
This was an occasion of great significance. It was the original intention of the 
Post to present a stand of Colors to the University, simple in the gift, though great 
in its meaning ; but the quality of Lafayette Post had been recognized by the Trustees 
and Faculty of the great University that is second to none in the land. They had 
planned a great structure that should be wonderful in its appointments and perfect in 
its system of promoting knowledge, and they had chosen a hill to set it upon that it 
might not be hid. In providing for every department of education the Faculty were 
keen to the value of the education of Patriotism. The flag was to be the object 
lesson that should teach of the sacrifices of the past made in our country’s name, and 
encourage loyalty and honor for all time to come. 

It seemed most fitting that the dedication of the site whereon should stand this 
great structure for the enlightenment of mankind should be completed by the dedica¬ 
tion of a spot for a monument to Loyalty. The proposition to enlarge the plans of 
the Post in respect to the gift came from the University, and the conception of the 
monument seemed like an inspiration to carry along the ages to follow the name and 
usefulness of the Post we hold most dear. When we shall have planted the granite 
rock so emblematic of loyalty, we shall have set up a memorial to the multitude of 
our dead Comrades. Generation succeeding generation will stand before the great 
tablet which shall bear a record of the soldier’s honor, and will, with reverence, pay 
silent respect to his fidelity and courage. It will be a Mecca in the days to follow, 
whither our children’s children will make loyal pilgrimages to honor the memory of 
their heroic ancestors who left them an heritage of liberty. It was a red-letter day 
in the Post’s history, and we shall never forget how the glorious Stars and Stripes 
floated in graceful folds like a banner painted in the sky by the Artist of Creation. 
Its conception of simplicity and beauty seemed to be that of a kindly Providence 
itself, and as graceful as if angels had pencilled its drapery. Much praise is due to 

45 


the Committee who have acted in the plans with the Faculty of the University, and 
to the Comrades who have contributed more than $5,000 to the object in view. It is 
expected that the base and staff will be set this year and that the formal presentation 
and delivery will take place with appropriate ceremony when all is complete. The 
list of contributors will be engrossed in proper form, with history and illustration, to 
be a souvenir of one of Lafayette Post’s greatest deeds. Every Comrade should 
contribute ; not a single name should be missing, no matter how small the gift; all 
should give something, that their names may be recorded as teachers of loyalty and 
survivors of a war that secured such great results. The soldiers of the Grand 
Army of the Republic are not weighed by the money scales, and none should be 
too modest to secure a place for his name that shall give honor to those who shall 
come after him. 

May 8. Trip to Washington and Mount Vernon on request of Professor Boyer. 
A considerable number of the Post chaperoned his battalion of the American Guard 
to the Capitol and to the tomb of Washington. This was another lesson in patriotic 
education given to the boys of the Guard, who were impressed with the Capitol build¬ 
ing and the various departments of governmental machinery, as well as with the 
beautiful, quiet rest and peace that prevail at the tomb of the Father of his Country. 

May 9. The Post was represented by a large detail at the Unveiling of the 
Soldiers’ Monument at New Rochelle by special invitation of the Citizens’ Com¬ 
mittee. Comrade Butterfield was one of the orators of the day, and reflected credit 
on the Grand Army of the Republic as well as on his Post. 

May 12. Burial Service of Comrade Wilcox at the Philips Memorial Church 
on Madison Avenue. There was a large delegation of the Post present, both in 
uniform and in citizen’s dress. The ritual of the Grand Army of the Republic was 
impressively rendered by Senior Vice-Commander Long, Chaplain Hoyt, and by a good 
number of uniformed Comrades. The public expressions of our regard for Comrades 
are more beneficial than many realize, and confirm the respect which the Grand Army 
has gained from those who are learning its uses and approving its motives. 

May 19 and 20. The Thirtieth Annual Department Encampment at Utica. This 
was another occasion when Lafayette Post had an honor conferred. The Delegate 
at Large to the National Encampment was chosen from the Post, and your Com¬ 
mander had the distinction placed upon him of being the choice of the Department. 
The ticket was almost wholly arranged by Past Commander Copp, and was elected 
by a good majority. That the selection of delegates was wisely made is evidenced 
by the fact that Commander-in-Chief Walker stated that the delegation was the 
strongest that the Department of New York had ever chosen to represent that body 
in the National Encampment. 

May 24. Memorial Sunday. With the usual custom, the Post attended 
divine service at the Union Methodist Church, by invitation of the Rev. Dr. James 
King, in conjunction with Lafayette Camp Sons of Veterans and the Daughters of 

46 


Lafayette. The turnout was liberal on behalf of the Comrades of the Post with their 
families, and the discourse was intellectual and inspiring. 

May 30. Memorial Day. One hundred and fifteen Comrades joined in the 
parade, and others were with kindred organizations doing affectionate duty in 
memory of those who, after life’s fitful fever and the conflict of arms, sleep well. 
It is due to the Memorial Committee that record should be made of the indefatigable 
labor that led to the remembrance of 107 graves, where tokens have been placed in 
fraternal remembrance of those whom we have sat with in council and whose com¬ 
radeship we miss as the shadows of our own lives darken with the setting sun. We 
should ever remember this hallowed day of the springtime, when we gather the 
loveliest flowers created by the infinite Master, who has painted the hills and shadowed 
the valleys with the reflection of His wisdom. 

September 2, 3, 4. National Encampment. A delegation of fifteen Com¬ 
rades attended this Encampment at St. Paul, Minnesota, when the Post held up its 
reputation for hospitality, which was a pleasure to hundreds of visitors who had 
heard of our deeds and came to make our personal acquaintance. Among the visitors 
was Mrs. John A. Logan, the widow of a greatly esteemed Comrade. Many Com¬ 
rades of prominence paid visits of respect and left with us words of commendation 
and cheer. Among the nominations for the high office of Commander-in-Chief, 
your Commander found himself a figure that had been placed on inspection by your 
unanimous resolution. The honor was unsought, and the failure of your committee 
to reach the fruit of their labors brought with it no regret on the part of your Com¬ 
mander or reflection on the Post. The nomination was withdrawn by request of 
your Commander, who can find no greater honor than to be a Comrade of the Order. 

October 16. Archbishop Ireland of St. Paul visited the Encampment at 
Post Headquarters, and was made heartily welcome. His address was full of fervor 
and pithy with commendation. This may be considered an eventful episode in the 
Post’s history. The distinguished character of the Archbishop, who belongs to a 
Church that sets its face sternly against secret societies, shows beyond question that 
the Church regards as most charitable and praiseworthy the work of the Grand Army 
of the Republic. Surely there is cause for pride in this fact, that our Order com¬ 
mands the respect of this ancient Church, so austere in its discipline and uncom¬ 
promising in its decrees. 

November 20. Reception to Commander-in-Chief Clarkson and Department 
Commander Graham. The eleventh annual reception to the Commander-in-Chief 
marked another successful effort to be hospitable. Thirteen hundred invitations 
were issued, and the responses in person and by letter were of the warmest character. 
The presence of so many prominent Comrades, the generosity of praise by the 
speakers, the evident enjoyment of all the guests should make us happy indeed. 
Your Commander has not the time to speak of all the compliments paid by the Chief, 
nor dwell upon the fraternal greetings of the representatives of so many Posts. 

47 


Every possible feature had been prepared with care, and the result was gratifying 
to those who came ; it should be to us. True hospitality consists, not in display, but 
in honest tender of what may be bestowed ; and the greatest satisfaction to an 
honest host is the enjoyment of those whom he entertains. These annual receptions 
by the Post are now considered almost an essential condition of the administration 
of the Chief. The liberality in invitations enables him to meet those whom he has 
been chosen to represent, and the intercourse is fraught with so much that is bene¬ 
ficial, we should be grateful that we are able to assist in such a degree. 

December 4. Election of Officers. To this your Commander gave little con¬ 
cern. His own candidacy was unsought—in truth, not expected. His desire to be 
a good Comrade surmounts all others, but he has made it a point in life to shirk no 
responsibility. When he entered the Grand Army it was to partake of its fraternity, 
assist in its charity, and to emphasize his own loyalty. He was drawn by the 
comradeship that levels rank, and he sought a shelter where he believed selfishness 
could not enter nor display find a place. There is no secular organization so beauti¬ 
ful in conception, so honest in purpose, or so loyal in brotherhood as the Grand 
Army of the Republic. We believe in our Comrades and we believe in ourselves, 
and we trust each other with a faith that is born of dangers once shared in common. 
With full faith in these things your Commander joined Lafayette Post, to be with 
you in all that the principles of the Order imply. Office he did not seek; yet, if 
the Comrades whom he admires, and whose judgment he respects, consider it ex¬ 
pedient that he should do his duty in such a field, so be it, he will obey ; for in an 
Order where former rank is covered with the mantle of comradeship, superiority 
must exist in the majority. The office of Commander has come to him again ; his 
dignity would not have permitted him to go after it. If it had come to Comrade 
Adams, no one would have greeted him with a warmer congratulation than the man 
you selected instead. And so, for another term, Comrades, we are to serve together, 
and a pleasant feature of it is, your voice has given me the same associates in office. 
All that has been done in the past year has been accomplished through the unanim¬ 
ity of the Post and the support of the officers of the staff. They have been faithful 
and loyal in every step, ready at all times ; and your Commander cannot express his 
feelings of thanksgiving that so courteous and faithful a family in the official life of 
the Post has surrounded him. Where all have been so true, it is perhaps unwise to 
speak of one ; but so much is due to Senior Vice-Commander Long, it would be 
traitorous to trust and confidence not to allude to his unselfish service in his own quiet, 
honest way. 

December 16. Anniversary Dinner. The celebration of the Sixteenth Anni¬ 
versary of Lafayette Post was enjoyed by about seventy-five Comrades at the Hotel 
St. Denis, and in spite of the very inclement weather was a pronounced success. The 
storm prevented the presence of several prominent guests who live in distant places, 
who had accepted the invitations sent. But there were others . 

48 


The time passed pleasantly and profitably, and when the midnight hour ap¬ 
proached and we were about to separate with happy thoughts and renewed expres¬ 
sions of comradeship, we suppressed our mirth for a moment, in honor of our dead, 
and to listen to a few most eloquent words by Comrade Ehlers in respect to their 
memory. The thoughts expressed and the words chosen were like flowers of sym¬ 
pathy and a poem of tribute. Surely Lafayette Post need not go beyond her own 
circle to find whatever may be required. 

December 18. Memorial Service for our own. To your Commander this was 
an interesting and impressive service. Much is due to those who arranged the ser¬ 
vice and carried out the order of exercises. Every movement was impressive and 
every part appropriate. The presence of so many survivors was indeed a eulogy 
of the dead itself. The address by Comrade Hall was appropriate in its character 
and the Records by the Adjutant worthy of mention—eloquent indeed. While we 
may not rejoice on occasions like these, I think we should not be sad. We are grow¬ 
ing old, and though it may be brave to die, it will require more courage to live as 
our faculties decline and our days of usefulness lessen, to leave us a burden to others. 
During the past year sixteen of our beloved Comrades have stacked arms at the close 
of the battle of life, and are now resting in the tents of never-ending peace, guarded 
by the sentinels of Mercy and Hope. Certainly, Fraternity must deepen within us 
as our ranks become thinner, and as we dwell in the twilight of evening just before 
the shades of night envelop us in the sleep that awakens in Eternal Day. 

The service at the close of the year was a fitting one, and finishes the volume of 
the Post’s history for 1896 with an appropriate chapter that places the statues of our 
departed Comrades on the pedestal of our affection, and sets them in the niches of 
the Temple of Memory to abide with us to the end. 

And now, on the threshold of a new year, it is gratifying to look about on re¬ 
taining office to find no evidence of disappointment, and to feel that the difference 
of votes leaves no difference of allegiance to the Post and all it has to perform. 
May we not proceed, then, hand in hand, with our aim just as high, to be a loyal 
body of men dwelling together in peace and doing service in the field as becomes 
defenders of our country and of our country’s flag ? Lafayette Post can never be 
other than it is. When we dedicated the spot on the hill that shall bear our monu¬ 
ment of deeds done and to be done, we placed in the confidence of a trustful Society 
the reputation of a body of soldiers who had fought for honor, each of whom would 
lay down his life to defend it. To sully that reputation, now that it is set up aloft 
for purposes that are noble, will be to stain the whole of the Grand Army with dis¬ 
honor and weaken the influence for good it has been created to perform. 

With the Stars and Stripes aloft, patriotic education in the field, “ Charity ” for a 
central motto, affection for each other and devotion to our country, we may still 
march forward to victory, until at the close we break ranks in the camp of everlasting 
p eaC e. R. W. Meade. 


4 


49 


Extracts from Letters Received by the Committee having; in Charge 
the Candidacy of Commander Meade for Commander-In-Chief 
of the Grand Army of the Republic, J896 and J897* 

“ Please give me credit for the best possible appreciation of the splendid char¬ 
acter, history, and general attributes of Rear-Admiral Meade. He is A No. i and 
full blooded. James Tanner.” 

* ‘ I consider that he would confer a greater honor on the Grand Army of the 
Republic by consenting to accept the position than the Grand Army of the Republic 
would by electing him. David Stothers, 

“ Past Commander Post 524, New York.” 

“ I know of no person I can so heartily support for the place as he. His life 
service, his evident love of America and Americans, as well as his fearless expressions 
of his patriotism on a recent occasion, have caused in me a feeling of warm admiration 
for the man. Pryce W. Bailey, 

“Seneca Falls, N. Y.” 

“It is as much of an honor to our Order to elect one of the high character and 
attainments of Comrade Meade as it would be for him to receive it. We would all 
feel that the eminent character of his public services at home during the Civil War 
and abroad since, a sufficient guarantee that he would nobly sustain the honor of that 
high office. Angus McD. Shoemaker, 

“Albany, N. Y.” 

“ I know of no one better qualified to fill that most important position. 

“Isaac G. Manning, 

“ Poughkeepsie, N. Y.” 

“ If he is elected our grand Order will have at its head a full-blooded American— 
one who dares to stand up and ask questions of the biggest man on earth. 

“ Charles C. Mosher, 

“ Seneca Falls, N. Y.” 


So 


“ I know of no one more competent to fill the position or entitled to greater 
consideration than Admiral Meade. N. M. Curtis, 

“ Past Dept. Commander, New York.” 

“At this time we more than ever need a man of national reputation, of great 
patriotism, and broad views. I shall give him the preference. 

“ Francis J. Werneck, 

“New York City.” 

“ I believe he will be the choice of the Encampment; it ought to be unanimous, 
when we remember the record he has made. R. R. Stilwell, 

“ Port Byron, N. Y.” 

‘ ‘ I deem him worthy of any honor which our Order can bestow. It is to me a 
great pleasure to join in the testimonials of respect and regard for the high character 
and splendid abilities and achievements of Admiral Meade. 

“ Henry E. Turner, 

“ Lowville, N. Y.” 

“ I have a high opinion of Admiral Meade’s abilities and services. 

“ C. A. Boutelle, 

“ Member of Congress.” 

* ‘ Comrade Meade occupies a very high position in the estimation of the Com¬ 
rades of Indiana. They admire his patriotism, and were proud of his expression of 
it when the occasion was offered. I am also sure that they regard him as possessing 
all the qualifications generally thought desirable in a Commander-in-Chief in an 
eminent degree. W. W. Dudley, 

“ Past Dept. Commander, Indiana.” 

“ Personally I was very favorably impressed with Admiral Meade, and from my 
friend Admiral Browne I have heard very flattering comments on him. I have for 
some time believed that there was too much of an effort in the Grand Army to select 
for its high position men who would be honored thereby, and too little of an effort to 
select men who would themselves by their past history and present standing reflect 
honor on the Grand Army as I believe Admiral Meade would. 

“ William A. Ketcham, 

“Indianapolis, Ind.” 

“ There is no doubt but Comrade Meade will be our next Commander-in-Chief. 

“ Henry M. Caylor, 

“Dept. Commander, Indiana.” 


51 


“ I have been an admirer of Commander Meade and his great reputation as a 
naval Commander for many years. His devotion to the flag, intense patriotism, with 
his well known ability, commend him to every member of the Grand Army of the 
Republic. Charles W. Scott, 

“Lebanon, Ind.” 

“ I know of no one who is more worthy. S. A. Wheeler, 

“ Minnesela, S. D.” 

“ I have seldom met a man with whom I have been more pleased. 

“ M. L. Hayward, 

“ Nebraska City, Neb.” 

“ I like the true Americanism of this old tar. His course in Brazil had the 
right ring to it, and won my admiration, and his record in the War of the Rebel¬ 
lion I learn is good. I entertain a very high regard for Admiral Meade. I admire 
him for his record as a Commander of our Navy, for his splendid conduct in Brazil, 
and for his pronounced Americanism. Halbert B. Case, 

“ Dept. Commander, Tennessee.” 

“ I believe him to be not only the most competent candidate yet mentioned for 
the high office of Commander-in-Chief, but one who will reflect honor upon the 
Order rather than its conferring honor upon him. 

“J. R. Milliken, 

“Past Dept. Commander, New Jersey.” 

“ I will take pleasure in introducing a resolution at our next Department En¬ 
campment instructing our representatives to favor his election. In the selection of a 
Commander-in-Chief I am persuaded that our naval comrades could not have a more 
gallant comrade, or one who would reflect higher honor on the position of Com¬ 
mander-in-Chief than brave Admiral Meade, who so long and faithfully served the 
Republic. H. C. Whitaker, 

“Past Dept. Commander, Tennessee.” 

“ I am not personally acquainted with Comrade Meade, but I am familiar with 
his brilliant career in the Navy, and believe all you say as to his fitness for the posi¬ 
tion. Josiah B. Allen, 

“ Clerk of the Supreme Court, Columbus, O.” 

“ Would he were now with three good ships and a little discretion in the harbor 
of Havana ! Nathan Beckford, 

“ Past Dept. Commander, Potomac.” 


52 


“ I am well aware of his splendid ability, character, and reputation, and can see 
no reason why his election would not be of excellent service to the Grand Army of 
the Republic. W. D. Hoard, 

“ Fort Atkinson, Wis.” 


“ I wanted him last year, I want him this year, in a position he would honor 
more than it would honor him. J. A. Watrous, 

“Milwaukee, Wis.” 


“ Nothing would please me more than to see him elevated to the position of 
Commander-in-Chief, if for no other reason than that he possessed the manhood to 
express his honest convictions even to his superiors. 

“ Nathan Munger, 

“ Port Byron, N. Y.” 

“ The Department of Alabama held its Annual Encampment on the ioth inst., 
and passed strong resolutions favoring the election of Comrade Meade Commander- 
in-Chief. The vote was hearty and unanimous. 

“C. W. Buckley, 

“ Junior Vice-Commander-in-Chief.” 


“ His long service, known ability, strict integrity, and gentlemanly conduct and 
bearing would appeal to any candid mind. 


“F. M. Mason, 

“ Junior Dept. Commander, Wis.” 


“Admiral Meade’s election would not only keep up the standard, but would 
elevate it. W. R. Smedberg, 

“ Past Dept. Commander, California.” 

“ His election would be a fitting recognition of his services to his country and of 
the Navy. W. H. Aiken, 

“ Past Dept. Commander, California.” 


“ I have known him for a number of years, and am in full accord with your 
views. He is just the man for the position. 

“ Ira E. Hicks, 

“ New Britain, Conn.” 

“I was very favorably impressed with Comrade Meade, both with his ability, 
his love for the Order, and his admirable spirit manifested during his candidacy. 

“ D. W. Eastman, 

“ Emporia, Kan.” 


53 


“ Our Department Commander and Adjutant-General speak very highly of him, 
and were very favorably impressed with him. 

“ Henry Booth, 

“ Past Dept. Commander, Kansas.” 

“ The Navy has never been represented by the head of our Order. It ought to 
be, and cannot in our day be represented so worthily. 

“ General I. S. Bangs, 

“ Waterville, Me.” 

“ I have been a great admirer of the Admiral for a long time. 

“ G. W. Moses, 

“ Great Bend, Kan.” 

“ Comrade Meade is highly thought of, and a strong sentiment favorable to his 
election prevails throughout this Department. 

“ Frank Nolen, 

“ Past Dept. Commander, Maryland.” 

“ Trusting that the friends of Comrade Meade will have the satisfaction of 
seeing the four bright stars pinned over the heart of this one of America’s brave and 
loyal sons, etc. R. P. Sargent, 

“ Galveston, Tex.” 

“ He is one of the very few conspicuous landmarks of true Americanism that 
has been put to the severest test and acquitted himself in such a manner that every 
true American should not only be proud of him, but be glad to honor him in the 
highest degree. L. Y. Jenness, 

“ Dept. Commander, Florida.” 

“ I have the highest regard for the gallant service of Comrade Meade, and think 
he would make a very worthy Commander. 

“John G. B. Adams, 

“ Past Commander-in-Chief.” 

“ I served under General Meade, - and have always admired the strong American 
feelings always exhibited by Admiral Meade. 

“ L. Edwin Dudley, 

“Boston, Mass.” 

“ From my knowledge of his splendid record as an officer in the Navy, and of 
his uncompromising patriotism, I gladly pledge, etc. 

“ Mark B. Taylor, 

“ Chaplain-in-Chief. ” 


54 


“ I have had several talks with some of our prominent Comrades, and all agree 
that Admiral Meade would make a typical Commander-in-Chief. 

“J. W. Burst, 

“ Inspector-General.” 

“ He is a Comrade whom I believe possesses qualities of head and heart which 
eminently qualify him for leadership in our great Order. 

“Daniel R. Ballou, 

“ Past Dept. Commander, Rhode Island.” 

“ Any veteran can say with truth that your candidate would certainly honor the 
office. John M. Deane, 

“ S. V. Commander, Dept, of Massachusetts.” 

“ Comrade Meade has a national reputation as a brave and gallant defender of 
the Union. R. H. Barton, 

“ Past Dept. Commander, Idaho.” 

“ I had the pleasure of meeting Comrade Admiral Meade, and was more than 
favorably impressed with his fitness for the position. 

“ E. A. Blodgett, 

“ Past Dept. Commander, Illinois.” 

11 1 believe he is qualified to fill the office with credit to himself and honor to 
the Grand Army. A. G. Purdy, 

“ Fond du Lac, Wis.” 


“ I am a great admirer of Comrade Meade. 

“ William Warner, 

“ Past Commander-in-Chief.” 

“ I have a great admiration for Meade. His action in Corrinto matter stirred 
me to the foundations, from the patriotism he displayed. 

“ Dana W. King, 

“Nashua, N. H.” 


55 


Societies and Clubs of which Rear-Admiral Meade was a Member. 


SOCIETIES. 

The Order of the Founders and Patriots of America, 1607-1657 ; 1775-1783. 
(New York Society.) 

The Society of Colonial Wars, 1607-1775. (District of Columbia Society.) 
Vice-Commander-General of : The Military Order of Foreign Wars of the 
United States of America, 1775-1847. War of Independence—War with Tripoli— 
War of 1812—War with Mexico. (Pennsylvania Society.) 

The Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, 1861-1865. 
Joined 1866. (Pennsylvania Commandery.) 

Lafayette Post, Grand Army of the Republic. Joined 1895. Commander of 
same 1896. 

The California Pioneers of New York City. An ex-President of the Society. 
(1893-1894.) 

The New England Society in the City of New York. 

The American Catholic Historical Society of Philadelphia. 

The Christ Church Historical Society of Philadelphia. 

The National Geographical Society of Washington, D. C. 

The Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers. (New York City.) One 
of the Vice-Presidents of the Society. 

The Navy Mutual Aid Society. Joined 1879. An ex-President, having held the 
office five years. 

The Society of Graduates of United States Naval Academy. (Annapolis, Md.) 

CLUBS. 

Army and Navy Club, Washington, D. C. 

Union League of Philadelphia. 

The Germantown Cricket Club of Manheim. 

The United Service Club of New York City. 


56 


Resolutions and Letters of Sympathy Received by Lafayette Post, 


Col. Wilbur F. Brown, Adjutant Lafayette Post. 

My Dear Sir : It is with deep regret that I read this morning of the death of 
Admiral Meade, our prospective candidate for Commander-in-Chief. 

Wearing its badge, I claim the right to mourn with Lafayette Post the loss of 
our gallant friend and Comrade. I am also one of his companions of the Loyal 
Legion. 

Will you kindly convey to those of the Post whom I met at St. Paul the sincere 
sympathy of a friend who learned to admire Admiral Meade and his chosen friends 
of Lafayette Post during the few days we were together in that city ? 

I am proud to have known him and to have known you ; and please remember 
that on Memorial Day, if I live so long, the badge of Lafayette, No. 140, New York, 
will be worn by your Seattle friend and Comrade in honor of your Post and in 
memory of the splendid Comrade, “without fear and without reproach,” who has 
been promoted to a higher command. 

Very sincerely, in F. C. & L., 

Thomas Miles Young. 


FROM EDWARD W. KINGSLEY POST, 113. 

Department of Massachusetts. 

Boston, May 7, 1897. 

Wilbur F. Brown, Adjutant Lafayette Post, 140. 

Dear Sir and Comrade : In behalf of Edward W. Kingsley Post, 113, I extend to 
Lafayette Post, 140, our sincere sympathy in the great loss you have sustained in the 
death of your Commander, Admiral Richard W. Meade. 

Comrade Meade was a sterling patriot, a loyal citizen, and a national hero ; ever 
ready to perform heroic deeds in the service of our common country, and our noble 
order learn with sorrow of his untimely death. 

The close and brotherly ties existing between our respective Posts prompt us to 
mourn with you over this sad event. 

With fraternal greetings to Lafayette Post, 140, we remain, 

Yours in F. C. & L. 

Charles Clark Adams, Commander. 

57 


FROM COLUMBIA POST OF CHICAGO. 


Galesburg, III. 

Wilbur F. Brown, Adjutant Lafayette Post: 

Columbia Post of Chicago, in attendance at State Encampment, deeply sym¬ 
pathize with Lafayette Post in the death of its magnificent Commander, whom we 
had hoped to assist in electing Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Army. We mourn 
with you the loss of one of our country’s most gallant defenders. 

C. H. McConnell, Commander. 


FROM FARRAGUT NAVAL VETERAN ASSOCIATION. 


Port of Boston. 

May 5, 1897. 

Wilbur F. Brown, Adjutant Lafayette Post. 

Dear Sir and Comrade : This Association has learned with profound sorrow of 
the death of your Commander, Richard W. Meade, and desire me to forward to you 
and the Post the sympathy of the shipmates. 

It seems but a little while ago since his name was prominently before us as a 
candidate for a very high and honorable office, and we were looking forward to the 
time when with voice and vote we could manifest our desire to have a sailor at the 
head of the Grand Army of the Republic. 

It is neither the time nor place for me to go into any detail of his honorable life ; 
his sturdy Americanism is too well known, and I can only close by sending this small 
tribute of an association of men who had served, some of them, with him in the 
dark days of rebellion. 

Accept from us our sincere sorrow and sympathy. 

Yours very respectfully, 

W. F. Sinclair, Secretary. 


FROM BACON POST, No. 53, G. A. R. 

Utica, N. Y., May 7, 1897. 

At a regular meeting, May 6, 1897, the following resolution was adopted : 

Resolved , With profound sense of the loss you have sustained by the death of 
your Commander, Rear-Admiral Meade, we tender to the members of Lafayette Post 
our most sincere sympathy in this their severe affliction, praying that we may not 
misinterpret God’s dealings, but in all the varied experience of trials the light in 

58 


the clouds may be discerned, and that we may possess the faith which believes that 
love, boundless love, prompted it all. 

Official: David Jones, Commander. 

Jhn. H. Cloher, Post Adjutant . 


FROM ADMIRAL FOOTE POST, No. 17. 

Department of Connecticut. 

New Haven, Conn., May 18, 1897. 
Wilbur F. Brown, Adjutant Lafayette Post, Dept, of New York. 

Dear Sir and Comrade : Admiral Foote Post has learned with profound sorrow 
of the death of your late Commander, Rear-Admiral Richard W. Meade, United 
States Navy, and hastens to express her sincere sympathy to the Comrades of 
Lafayette Post in the loss of their distinguished Commander. Admiral Meade’s high 
character and long and most honorable service to his country are well known, and 
all words seem empty of meaning in comparison with the irresistible eloquence of 
such a life. 

Hoping that some of that same radiant nobility of manhood may shine in the 
character and deeds of us all, the Comrades of Admiral Foote Post unanimously 
desire to remain, until death do us part, 

Yours in Fraternity, Charity, and Loyalty, 

F. G. Hastings, Adjutant . D. O. Lombard, Commander. 


FROM CHAPIN POST, No. 2. 

Department of New York, G. A. R. 

Buffalo, N. Y., May 16, 1897. 

Commander and Comrades Lafayette Post, Dept, of New York, G. A. R.: 

At a regular meeting of Chapin Post the following preamble and resolution were 
adopted : 

Whereas , We learn with profound sorrow and regret of the death of our illus¬ 
trious Comrade, Admiral Richard W. Meade, U.S.N. (retired), at Washington, D. C., 
May 4th inst.; and 

Whereas, We recognize in Comrade Admiral Meade the embodiment of those 
courtly, gallant, brave, heroic, noble, chivalrous, and generous qualities that typify 
the true American soldier and sailor ; one whose dignified, lofty, patriotic, and 
courageous sentiments characterized him a knight of American manhood ; one whose 
distinguished services for his country during the war and since have won for him 

59 


the admiration of all good and true men ; one by whose death another brilliant 
has been transferred or retired from America’s bright galaxy of stars, and our country 
has lost one of the ablest defenders, the Grand Army of the Republic one of its most 
distinguished and respected Comrades, and Lafayette Post an eminent Commander ; 
Therefore, be it 

Resolved , That by this action Chapin Post, No. 2, Department of New York, 
G. A. R., express an admiration for Comrade Admiral Richard W. Meade, U.S.N. 
(retired), as one of our country’s most brilliant and chivalrous sailors, our respect for 
him as a citizen, our love for him as a Comrade, and our sincere sorrow for his loss ; 
and that a copy of this preamble and resolution be sent to Lafayette Post, Depart¬ 
ment of New York, G. A. R. 

After many remarks by the Comrades present, eulogizing the deceased Comrade, 
the preamble and resolution were unanimously adopted by a rising vote. 

Fraternally yours, 

1314 Michigan St. Frank Myers, Adjutant. 


RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED BY ENCAMPMENT. 

Department of New York. 

Whereas, This Thirty-first Encampment of the Department of New York, 
G. A. R., assembled at Rochester on the 18th day of May, 1897, having learned with 
sincere regret of the recent death of Rear-Admiral Richard W. Meade (retired), 
Delegate at Large to the National Encampment, Commander of Lafayette Post, 
No. 140, it is 

Resolved, That this Encampment realizes the severe loss that has come to the 
Grand Army of the Republic in the sudden demise of the illustrious officer of the 
Navy, who so efficiently served his country for nearly half a century, whose nobility 
of character and sterling patriotism have been a distinctive mark of true Americanism 
worthy of emulation by all who may follow in his footsteps ; and 

Resolved, That the sympathy of the Comrades of this Department be extended to 
the widow and family of our deceased Comrade, and to Lafayette Post, No. 140, who 
have been bereft of an efficient Commander, most loyal to the Order, and a true 
friend of all who have been defenders of the flag. 


RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED BY ENCAMPMENT. 

Department of Illinois. 

At the Thirty-first Annual Encampment of the Department of Illinois, Grand 
Army of the Republic, held at Galesburg, May 5 and 6, 1897, the following resolu- 

60 


tions, offered by Comrade D. B. Hubbard of Post 5, were unanimously adopted by 
a rising vote : 

Whereas , This Encampment has learned of the death of Rear-Admiral Richard 
W. Meade, whose name, had he lived, would have been presented as a candidate for 
Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic ; Therefore 

Resolved, That in the deceased we recognize one whose life was distinguished to 
a high degree by faithful and meritorious service, and who was an adornment to the 
naval annals of our nation. 

Resolved, That we here express our sincere sympathy for the bereaved family, 
and join them in their sorrow for their noble dead. And be it further 

Resolved, That these resolutions be spread upon the records of this Encamp¬ 
ment, and a copy thereof be sent to his family ; also a copy to Lafayette Post, 
No. 140, Department of New York. 

Attest: Albert L. Schimpff , Department Commander, 

C. A. Partridge, A. A. G. 


FROM GEORGE G. MEADE POST, No. 1, G. A. R. 

Philadelphia, Pa., May 25, 1897. 
Wilbur F. Brown, Esq., Adjutant Lafayette Post, New York. 

Dear Comrade : I am directed by resolution of the Post, unanimously approved 
by a rising vote, to convey the expression of extreme sorrow felt by George G. Meade 
Post, No. 1, of Philadelphia, at the loss by death of your Commander, Admiral Meade. 

Whatever is a loss to your Post is keenly felt by the Comrades of Meade Post,, 
who are bound to you by the strongest bonds of Comradeship. 

The illustrious name of Admiral Meade, who rose to high rank in the service of 
his country, especially in its greatest hour of need, made him, as expressed in your 
Order, “ a man of mark,” and “ a man of rare ability and simplicity of character.” 

And then, again, he was closely associated by blood to the hero of Gettysburg, 
whose name we have adopted. 

Again expressing our deep feeling of condolence, we are, in the bonds of Frater¬ 
nity, Charity, and Loyalty, closely allied to the Comrades of Lafayette. 

Very truly, 

J. Fletcher Conrad, Adjutant. 


61 


Tribute of Comrade John Hamilton, Colonel U.S.A. (Retired), at 
Luncheon, after Parade, Memorial Day, May 30, 1897. 


In 1861, when duty called us round from the Pacific Coast, in the harbor of 
Acapulco a young man came aboard of us, under condemnation from sickness, as 
they call it in the Navy. His bones stuck through his skin from the malignant fever 
of that harbor. We all admired his classic features and beauty of mind, but espe¬ 
cially the women fell in love with him, my wife among the rest. They nursed him 
into health before we got into New York. Since then I have followed his career with 
close observation, and I can safely say of him, as was said of Bayard, he was “ sans 
peur et sans reproche ”—he never feared and never willingly wronged any. Whether 
as a sailor in action, or fighting the tyranny of bureaucracy, did he hesitate to meet 
the demands of his honor. 

When I heard of his selection as Commander of our Post, none felt more than I 
that the Post had done itself honor in its selection. 

But he has gone with the others that have preceded us to the Great Roll Call. 
Yet I can best express the situation, perhaps, by quoting from one of Dibdin’s songs 
of the old half-pirates, half-heroes of Elizabeth’s time—the Drakes, Grenvilles, etc. 
After describing the lives of several typical sailors, Dibdin says : 

“ But what of it all, then, shall we be down-hearted 
Because that perhaps now we take our last sup ? 

Life’s cable must one day or other be parted, 

And Death or dull moorings shall call us all up. 

But it’s always the way on’t, one scarce finds a brother 
Fond as pitch, honest hearted, or true to the core, 

But by battle, or storm, or some d—d thing or t’other, 

They’re still popped off the hooks, and we ne’er see them more.” 

John Hamilton, 

Colonel U.S.A. {Retired). 


62 


Record and Eulogy by Adjutant Wilbur F* Brown at Memorial 
Service for the Deceased Comrades of the Year, December 15, 
1897* 

There is on file a complete and voluminous record of the services of Richard 
Worsam Meade, the late beloved Commander of this Post, making it unnecessary to 
more than allude in general terms to his most wonderful and commendable career. 

He was born in New York City ; entered the Navy, a lad of thirteen, from 
California ; located his family at Philadelphia, but his home was on the sea. 

The voyage of life to Admiral Meade was one continuous passage of progress 
from the age of enlistment until he entered the final port, where the waves do not 
beat, nor the winds and storms prevail. 

One cannot compass the man or his history in an essay; that could only be 
reached by an intimacy which revealed his character and his accomplishments. 
Only the briefest outline of his distinguished career is allotted to the moment, which 
renders an adequate tribute to his memory an impossibility. 

Before attaining his nineteenth year he became Navigating Officer of the “ Cum¬ 
berland,” and before he was twenty-five he commanded a naval division in an engage¬ 
ment with the enemy ; and so on, climbing over the rounds of rank, he finally arrived 
at the top, having the title of Rear-Admiral. 

It is not sounding praise that burdens our story to-night, but honest facts, 
which no words of eulogy can cover. 

He was a scholar with a brilliant collegiate record, a professor of seamanship 
and naval tactics, a contributor to periodical literature, and a lecturer of geographical 
knowledge gained by his personal visits to all parts of the world. 

For nearly half a century he rode the waves in his country’s service—a country 
indebted to him and his ancestry, and to the branches of the family tree, collateral 
and direct. 

He was intensely American in feeling and pronunciation, and an enemy to his 
country’s foes, were they open or sinister ; so strongly so, that he felt himself, to use 
his own words, a debtor to the extent of his talents, his courage, his life; and he might 
have said, with justifiable pride, “ I paid the debt in full.” 

We cannot speak too fully of his persistent and consistent life. What he under¬ 
took to do he did to the utmost extent, and no officer on land or sea was more 

63 


thorough with the tasks he undertook. His historic cruise of 60,000 miles in the 
“Narragansett,” mostly under sail, bears witness to this, and the thrashing of a fellow 
midshipman in the messroom for the utterance of treasonable sentiments, even 
before Sumter was struck, is proof of a loyalty which would not be insulted. He was 
a firm friend when he accepted a friendship, and it was an honor to become his 
friend ; for he accepted none until he had balanced them in sensitive scales weighted 
with truth and honor. 

The Bible was his chart, and he had studied it well; by it he navigated his life, 
and on its precepts he builded his own. Providence was his Master, whom he trusted 
and obeyed, and we quote him again in “ the Providence which watches over poor 
Jack.” 

He was a stranger to fear, leading always to danger when it was near ; he was 
generous with purse and forgiveness, blinding others’ eyes to the weaknesses his 
strength instinctively saw, and helping with gifts he forbade to himself. 

Only two short years ago he came unsought among his Comrades of the Post, 
drawn hither by an affection for the men who, like himself, had offered themselves to 
be a sacrifice, perhaps, on the altar of patriotism. He was a worshipper at the 
shrines where all Comrades kneel, and he found rest in the councils where rank was 
forgotten and the true spirit of fraternity and charity is lodged. Of seventeen 
organizations to which he belonged, he was fondest of ours, and his latest words were 
sent to the boys whom he said he wished to lay him away in the sacred earth at 
Arlington, where is the bivouac of the dead. 

We laid him to rest with our ritual and hymn, and we can never forget the 
holiness of the hour when we saw him borne on sailors’ shoulders and reverently 
lowered to his final place of rest. 

His voyage is spent, and after rocking for years on the billows of every sea, he 
floated peacefully at last into the harbor of everlasting rest. 

Others have told of his physique, his courage, his true-heartedness, his patriotism, 
in language better than ours; but we can borrow from the grand old sea song of 
Dibdin : 

“ His form was of the manliest beauty, 

His heart was kind and soft; 

Faithful below, he did his duty, 

And now he’s gone aloft.” 


64 


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